18 February 2026
Many UK optical professionals are now observing the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which began this week.
Ramadan will conclude with Eid festivities – which will be celebrated on 19 or 20 March, with the exact date dependent on the sighting of the moon.
Around one in five optometrists and dispensing opticians are Muslim, while four in 10 student optometrists are Muslim.
OT spoke with optical professionals about what Ramadan means to them and the adaptations employers can make to help the month run smoothly.
My Ramadan
IP portfolio optometrist, Amir Afzal, on the unmistakeable sound of the call to prayer and small acts of understanding from employers
During Ramadan, small acts of understanding like flexible hours and check-ins from managers can make a meaningful difference. Thoughtful awareness around prayer space and annual leave helps employees feel genuinely supported.
One of my most memorable experiences during Ramadan occurred in my teenage years. Rather than being defined by grand celebrations or material gifts, the significance lay in a profound sense of unity. Waking up before dawn for Suhoor [the meal eaten before dawn during Ramadan], joining family members at Iftar [the meal eaten after sunset], and spending quiet evenings reflecting contributed to an atmosphere of warmth and intention.
It’s the little things that stay with you during Ramadan. It could be the quiet before sunset and the unmistakable sound of the adhan [call to prayer], marking time to break your fast. Also, the aroma of food being prepared and the first bite of a date makes Ramadan truly special.
For me, Ramadan has become more about giving than receiving. As a child, it was all about the gifts from friends and family. Now, as an adult, it’s about finding meaningful ways to give back and support others.
This Ramadan, I’m choosing to support Donate Directly, a charity that sends funds straight to Palestinian communities without middlemen. For me, it’s about giving in a way that feels tangible and personal. Donations help fund local projects that rebuild lives and restore hope where it’s needed most.
My Ramadan
Specsavers Peterborough optometry director, Muhammad Daniyaal Ahmed, on creating Iftar spaces at his practice and counting his blessings during Ramadan
Adjustments are always made to accommodate Muslim colleagues during Ramadan. We appreciate the demands of fasting and working so in our practice optometrist clinic times would usually be adapted to facilitate breaks for prayers and leaving earlier to be home for Iftar preparation.
However, this year, as the Iftar is close to the clinic end times, we decided to keep the clinical structures the same. For the first time we are having two dedicated Iftar spaces across our store where we will be filling the areas with dates, water, snacks and anything staff wish to share. Having a dedicated space to break your fast, is like having a home away from home and means our team are replenished before they leave.
Ramadan is my ideal reset button in life. It allows me to bring things into perspective, reflect on the year past and gauge where I am headed. In terms of preparation, I have my Ramadan calendar at the ready with a prayer timetable and all of my specific duas [invocations] mapped out. Ramadan is also a time for me to gain closeness to Allah Almighty. We often find ourselves so engrossed in our lives that we can often lose sight of our favours. We are blessed with so much and fortunate to have even the most basic amenities. Ramadan is a time to be thankful and count these blessings.
I love seeing homes being illuminated close to Iftar time, with people congregating ready to eat together and people handing food to one another. The streets are filled with scent of perfume as we see one another walk to the Mosque for prayers. Being part of such a welcoming, generous and loving community, the air just feels, smells and looks different. And – although not the season for them – mangos are always a reminder of Ramadan for me.
An integral part of my Ramadan both growing up and now, has always been the time spent with my family and the community to engage in spiritual acts. It gives me the direction to continue the rest of the year with a positive and refreshed mindset. The smell of food being cooked on the street and the sound of religious recitations playing in the house, there is nothing in this world that feels more like home.
One thing that’s changed from being younger is the variety of food - in our house, we have transitioned from traditional fried food like samosas, to more health-conscious choices like grilled chicken.
Every Ramadan, a group of friends and members of our community in Peterborough support the Supporting People of Tomorrow (SPOT) project, which has the vision statement: ‘We aim to illuminate the hearts, faces and minds of underprivileged youth around the world, starting in The Gambia.’
We have been fundraising to build the Abubakr Ahmed Centre (AAC) – a Mosque and place of study for an underprivileged community in Foni, Gambia. We’ve supported this particular campaign every year since 2021 and it is something very close to my heart.
The AAC has become a legacy project for our family, friends and community in loving memory of my brother Muhammad Abubakr Ahmed, who passed away in 2014. We want to maintain and expand its reach in the Foni community.
Ramadan in pictures
My Ramadan
Faheem Sarfraz, a senior clinical optometrist working within seven independent Hakim Group practices, on involving his children in Ramadan and how the taste of dates brings back memories of Ramadans past
For our employees and locums observing Ramadan, we strive to provide a supportive environment. We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate fasting days, hours and provide a quiet space for prayer and reflection. We also ensure that our team members are aware of their rights and needs, encouraging them to communicate openly with management for adaptations.
I prepare for Ramadan by setting intentions and goals, and making time for spiritual reflection. As I have a young family, we encourage our children to engage in getting excited about Ramadan with joining in decorating the house, undertaking prayers, food preparation and fasting.
The smell of samosas and pakoras wafting from the kitchen, the sound of Quran and Nasheed recitation in the background, and the taste of sweet dates: these are the sensory memories that transport me back to Ramadans past.
As I’ve grown older, my observation of Ramadan has evolved. I’ve become more mindful of my health and energy levels, adapting my fasting schedule when needed. However, the core values of compassion, gratitude, and self-reflection remain unchanged.
This Ramadan, I'm supporting a charity close to my heart – Islamic Relief. Their dedication to providing aid to those in need resonates deeply with me. I’ve chosen to support them because of their tireless efforts to alleviate suffering and promote justice.
As we embark on this sacred month, we extend our warmest wishes to all those observing Ramadan. May this period bring peace, reflection, and spiritual growth.
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